What it means: Before Sunday, the Texans had been lucky to not pay for their mistakes. They recovered from a 21-point third-quarter deficit in San Diego in the opener and an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit against the Titans in Week 2. Sunday's game in Baltimore saw similar mistakes that created those holes, but this time their opponent capitalized. A loss in September could mean nothing if the Texans can recover from it.

Stock watch: Texans quarterback Matt Schaub was able to overcome his own mistakes in the first two games, but this time he faced a Ravens defense that made him pay. A pick-six this week did not precede a gutty touchdown drive. Instead, this week it preceded a four-play drive that ended with a sack on second down, a pass for a loss of 2 on third down and then a punt returned for a touchdown. Schaub's passer rating through three quarters was 68.8 with 19 completions on 27 attempts, two sacks and an interception. Schaub was sacked again midway through the fourth quarter. On a fourth-down play with five minutes to go, Schaub threw a pass well behind Arian Foster when the Texans needed a 2-yard gain.

Andre Johnson hurt: Johnson's body has taken a beating so far this season. He needed an IV in Week 1, but didn't miss any part of the game. He suffered a concussion in Week 2, but returned to play against the Ravens. In Baltimore he left the game just before halftime after getting kicked in the shin. Johnson returned in the second half, but not for long. He finished the game sitting on the bench with ice wrapped to his shin.

Defense has enough: The Texans' defense began the game as stoutly as it had in the first two weeks. But a penalty and explosive plays in the second half kept Houston on the field for a third-quarter touchdown drive that put the Ravens up three scores. The defense was asked to do too much today, placed in a deep hole by the offense and special teams.

What's next: Seattle at home. Then San Francisco on the road. Nope, it doesn't get any easier from here.